Bird Commissioner Update: Hoary Redpoll Found in Westchester

From Cary Andrews: My first post as Croton-on-Hudson Bird Commissioner is to report the finding of a lone Hoary Redpoll at Croton Point.  This bird rarity found by Larry Trachtenberg on January 20 has not been seen in Westchester County since 1978.

 

The hoary redpoll nests on the Arctic tundra in stunted trees such as willows, sometimes in crevices of rocky areas.   They winter in north-central Canada and are found south only in very small numbers,usually among flocks of common redpolls.  Its range is being affected by climate change.  Generally they can be found in a weedy field, where they pick seeds off of the ground or directly from the plant, sometimes clinging upside down to reach seeds, buds, or insects.  It is a very small finch with a tiny conical bill and a notched tail.  Adult males are mostly white, with a red crown patch and a pink washed chest  It is sparrow size or smaller. Its name is from the term hoarfrost, beautiful ice crystals that form on frigid winter nights.  It also refers to the frosty plumage, and  the red is a reference to the berry red crown patch. It fluffs up its feathers for warmth and can make for a larger appearance. 

 

Common redpolls have been seen this winter at Croton Point and also at Brinton Brook Saw Mill River Audubon sanctuary and at Croton Landing. They are generally in small flocks.  It is a tiny streaked finch, red crown, stubby yellow bill.  Their nomadic numbers vary from year to year, depending on food sources .  It nests in boreal forests and forages also on seeds.  Both redpolls can store seeds in their esophagus, and later regurgitate them for husking and eating in a sheltered and safe place